The Athletic FC Podcast Is Chelsea's transfer policy working?
18 snips
Sep 18, 2025 Simon Johnson, Chelsea correspondent with sharp insights from Munich, and Phil Hay, a seasoned football analyst, dissect Chelsea's recent 3-1 loss to Bayern. They explore the impact of the team's lack of Champions League experience on performance. The discussion flows into Chelsea's current transfer strategy, including Nicholas Jackson's potential and loan-to-buy mechanisms, alongside the broader implications of their trading model and ongoing financial pressures. Could these factors reshape Chelsea's fortunes this season?
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Experience Gap Hurt Chelsea In Munich
- Chelsea fielded a squad where half the players were making their Champions League debuts.
- That inexperience showed in decisive moments, where Bayern's know-how won out.
Recruitment Churn Limits Short-Term Progress
- Chelsea's recruitment model prioritises constant change and young signings, which brings inevitable naivety.
- Phil Hay argues that continuity is now needed if Chelsea want to progress competitively.
Let The Squad Settle
- Allow the core squad and manager time to settle rather than continuing wholesale churn.
- Tolerate some naivety while the young group gains experience and Maresca builds continuity.